Display and control device for medical equipment

ABSTRACT

A display and control device for medical equipment, comprising several identically configured display/control units, which are located on a base unit. The base unit is equipped with a bus, to which the display/control units and components of the medical equipment are connected. The base unit comprises connection devices, which are used to connect the display/control units to the bus. Once a display/control unit has been connected, a configuration unit transmits configuration data to the display/control unit and only then defines which function the display/control unit is to fulfill. This permits defective display/control units to be simply replaced. The construction of the display/control units is likewise simple and not susceptible to malfunctions.

The present invention relates to a display and control device for medical equipment, in particular life support systems such as heart-lung machines or artificial respiration devices.

In order to be able to safely operate and monitor medical equipment, display and control devices must be provided on this equipment, which allow the user to determine the operating state of the equipment in a clear manner and to intervene in the operation of the equipment using control elements. Thus, in heart-lung machines, for example, (hereinafter also referred to as HLM) display and control elements are provided for the different units and components, e.g. the blood pumps or the oxygenator, via which the user can monitor and influence the operation of the HLM units. In addition, display and control elements are provided for various sensors, for example fill level sensors, temperature sensors or air bubble detectors, on which the user can read a measured value of a sensor and set limiting values which trigger an alarm or other action if they are exceeded or gone below. In HLM, these display and control elements have recently often been combined in the form of a display and control panel so that the user can clearly monitor and control the operation of the entire heart-lung machine at one position.

Display and control panels of the type discussed herein are increasingly being realised using program-controlled screens and keypad units. Recently, these user interfaces (GUI=Graphical User Interface) have been used in the form of LCD displays in combination with a touch-sensitive cover of the LCD display surface (touch screen). This means that the user can not only read values on the display but can also operate buttons, switches and regulators depicted on the display by touching the display surface in the area where a button, switch or regulator is depicted.

The use of such touch-screen GUI units allows simple operation of even complex systems, in particular by reducing the control elements and thereby increasing clarity, by means of a context-dependent design of the control possibilities and by means of situation-dependent support by the system. GUI units of this type also offer advantages with regard to production, in particular in high quantities. However, it is disadvantageous that when using a GUI unit, a display defect can lead to a complete loss of system control. Interaction with the user via the GUI unit is no longer possible in the case of a total failure. Even partial failures can lead to an unacceptable impairment of the operability of the medical device. It must be noted in this regard that touch-sensitive surfaces are by nature susceptible to mechanical defects. In addition, a complex and expensive development process for the GUI unit and its controls is necessary for complex applications, in particular when realising language-specific variants.

As a result, such display and control devices can only be used for safety-critical applications in life support systems such as heart-lung machines or artificial respiration devices at substantial cost (redundant control panels, specifically adapted operating systems, etc). Where a redundant design is not possible or expedient, the display and control device must be provided as an exchangeable part which, upon failure of the display and control device being used, can be exchanged therewith. This procedure is, however, unsatisfactory in view of the costs for providing a replacement panel.

In view of the above, the aim of the invention is to specify a display and control device for medical equipment, in particular heart-lung machines or other life support systems such as artificial respiration systems, in which continued operation can be ensured in an economic manner in the case of a defect.

This aim is achieved by a display and control device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be seen from the sub-claims.

According to the invention, a plurality of touch-screen GUI units are combined into one modular display and control device. The GUI units are virtually identical in structure and are designed as plug-in modules which can be attached at various positions of a base panel. Setting of the display and control function of the individual touch-screen GUI unit is effected by a configuration device, with which the touch-screen GUI unit is connected via a bus system (in the base) and from which it receives configuration data. The configuration data determine, via the display contents and input areas, the display and control function of the touch-screen GUI unit.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of an embodiment with reference to the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows the structure of an HLM as an example of a life support system in particular and a medical device in general that is particularly suitable for explaining the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the structure of a display and control device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the front of a display/control unit according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the rear of a display/control unit according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the structure of a base unit according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a view of a base unit and display/control unit according to the invention which is disposed thereon;

FIGS. 7A to 7E show examples of display contents of a display/control unit according to the invention that are based on configuration data.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a heart-lung machine 1, which is used as an example to explain a display and control device 2 as can be found in medical equipment, in particular in life support systems such as heart-lung machines and respiration systems.

The heart-lung machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises four blood pumps 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d which are disposed one next to the other. The casings of the blood pumps form the body of the HLM 1. Further aggregates or units of the HLM 1 can be arranged on fixing masts 4 a and 4 b, such as, for example, the schematically indicated blood reservoir 5. In addition, sensors (not shown) are normally present in an HLM to detect various measured values such as temperatures, pressures and flows. Furthermore, bubble detectors (not shown) are normally provided, by means of which it can be ensured that blood containing air bubbles is not supplied to the patient. There is no intention here of listing in full all the units or components of an HLM. The aforementioned units are mentioned merely as examples on the basis of an HLM but also for the other life support systems and medical equipment. However, an HLM as well as artificial respiration devices are particularly suitable for the use of the invention.

The display and control device 2 discussed above, by means of which the units or components of the HLM 1 can be monitored or controlled, is provided on the HLM 1 shown in FIG. 1. For this purpose, the display and control device 2 shows various values, some of which are measured values of the sensors and detectors and some of which are operating parameters of the units, such as, for example, the rotational speed of the blood pumps, or other values, e.g. times. The display of the values gives the user an overview of the operating status of the HLM 1 and via the display and control device 2, the user can intervene for control by using the control elements depicted in the display and control device.

FIG. 2 shows a display and control device 2 according to the invention; this device comprises a plurality of display/control units 6 a to 6 f, which are arranged on a base unit 7. As can be seen from FIG. 3, which shows a front view of a display/control unit 6 according to the invention, each display/control unit 6 comprises a flat display device 8 that has a plurality of activatable pixels and on which both measured values in the form of numerical values as well as text or graphic elements can be displayed. For this purpose, the display/control unit 6 is equipped with a display activation device 9, which activates the pixels of the display device 8 on the basis of data supplied. The display activation device 9 is preferably provided in a housing 10 of the display/control unit 6, which is why it is shown with dashed lines in the view seen in FIG. 3. To create an input possibility, each display/control unit has a transparent input device 11, which is disposed on the surface of the display device 8 facing the observer and which is connected with an input evaluation device 12 that evaluates the inputs made via the input device 11. The input evaluation device 12 is preferably also accommodated in the housing 10 and is therefore shown with dashed lines. Overall, a touch-screen display/input unit 6 is created in this manner, which can on the one hand display information (8, 9) and on the other receive inputs (11, 12). Further display or control elements are not necessary according to the invention but may, however, be provided. In particular, an on/off switch may be provided so that the display/control unit 6 is not active when the display/control unit 6 is mounted on the base unit 7.

So that the data for the display contents can be transmitted to the display activation device 9 and the inputs can be passed on by the input evaluation device 12, the display/control unit 6 has a connection means 13, which is shown in FIG. 4—a rear view of a display/control unit. The display activation device 9 and the input evaluation device 12 are connected with the connection means 13 so that the display/control unit 6 according to the invention can be connected to an electric bus.

The electric bus addressed here is a connection system which allows electric devices connected to the bus to communicate with other devices connected to the bus. This basically means that values or other information can be transmitted, i.e. sent and received, in a targeted manner from one bus device to another.

Depending on the type of bus used, a bus communication device 14 can be expediently provided, which on the one hand guarantees the connection to the bus and on the other is connected with the display activation device 9 and the input evaluation device 12, whereby the display activation device 9 and the input evaluation device 12 do not need to be designed for direct connection to the bus.

As FIG. 5 shows, the bus 15 is provided in the base unit 7 of the display and control device 2 according to the invention. As already stated, it assists communication of units connected to the bus. So that the display/control units 6 a to 6 f can be connected to the bus, suitable connector devices 16 a to 16 f are provided on the base unit 7. Each connector device 16 in the base unit 7 is adapted to the connection means 13 of the display/control unit 6 so that by bringing together a connection means 13 and a connector device 16, preferably according to the plug and socket principle, a display/control unit 6 can be connected to the bus 15 when the display/control unit 6 is disposed on the base unit 7.

The connection between the connector device 16 and the connection means 13 is either such that a sufficient mechanical fixing of the display/control unit 6 to the base unit 7 is achieved or such that additional provisions for mechanical fixing have to be made, which will, however, not be described in more detail here. In principle, any fixing of the display/control unit 6 to the base unit 7 which can easily be created and detached by a user is suitable, however the requirements existing in the field of medical equipment and in particular life support systems must be observed.

The bus 15 is guided out of the base unit 7, as shown in FIG. 5, for example through the support 17 of the display and control device 2. The bus is guided into the medical equipment via the support 17, as can be seen, for example, in the HLM in FIG. 1 so that the units and aggregates of the medical equipment can also be connected to the bus.

A configuration unit 18, which is also connected with the electric bus 15, is furthermore provided in the base unit 7. Immediately after connection of a display/control unit 6 to the bus, i.e. usually when the display/control unit 6 is attached to the base unit 7, the configuration unit 18 assumes the function of transmitting initial data to the display/control unit 6. These data are configuration data that inform the display/control unit 6 of the task which it must assume within the entirety of the display and control device 2. Configuration of the display/control unit 6 is an important aspect of the display and control device 2 according to the invention since a display/control unit 6 can be used in different manners as a result thereof because it is only the configuration data that determine the purpose for which the display/control unit 6 is used. The configuration data transmitted via the electric bus 15 are essentially information (instructions) which establishes the display contents and input areas of the display/control unit 6. The display activation device 9 of the display/control unit 6 must show the display contents transmitted by the configuration data on the display 8 of the display/control unit 6 (FIG. 3); the input evaluation device 12 must accordingly evaluate the sections on the surface 11 of the display 8 defined by the configuration data as input areas and monitor these for inputs by the user.

Since the display/control units 6 of a display and control device 2 according to the invention are constructed in a virtually identical manner, each display/control unit 6 can be used at any position (16 a to 16 f) of the base unit 7. This means that during use of the medical equipment, for example the HLM in the operating theatre, only one display/control unit generally need be kept available as a replacement part since should any display/control unit in the display and control device fail, the redundant display/control unit can be used as a replacement. In addition, a display/control unit that is already being used can be taken out of operation if its function is of secondary importance (e.g. time display) and can be used in place of a failed display/control unit which supports critical monitoring and control functions that are essential for the user.

In addition to the possibility of keeping one display/control unit available as an inexpensive replacement part, the invention also creates the possibility of ensuring secure operation owing to the redundant design of the configuration device 18. The redundant design of the configuration device 18 is an acceptable expenditure which makes the invention possible. In addition, it must be noted that during operation of the display and control device according to the invention, the configuration device 18 does not assume any other functions. This means that once configuration of the display/control units has been completed, the failure of the configuration device during operation does not initially constitute a deterioration in the overall function of the display and control device according to the invention. However, a fault in the configuration device 18 should be signalled to the user since if the configuration device 18 is faulty, it is no longer possible to exchange a display/control unit 6.

In the following, it will be described as an example in which form configuration data are transmitted from the configuration device 18 to a display/control unit 6 and how the configuration data are processed in the display/control unit 6.

For this purpose, FIG. 6 shows a base unit 7 to which a display/control unit 6 is attached. When a display/control unit 6 is disposed on the base unit 7 and is connected to the electric bus 15 in the base unit 7 by bringing together the connection means 13 and the connector device 16, it is signalled to the configuration device 18 via the bus 15 that and to which connector device 16 a to 16 f a display/control unit 6 has been attached. Since the position of the connector device 16 a in the embodiment described here determines which display contents are shown and which inputs are received, the configuration device 18 transmits configuration data to the display/control unit 6 via the bus 15, which correspond to the position of attachment on the base unit 7 of the display and control device 2.

Details of the configuration process are explained below with reference to FIGS. 7A to E. Thereby considered is the use of a display and control device 2 according to the invention in a heart-lung machine (see FIG. 1) which, in addition to other units, comprises, for example, a sensor for monitoring the fill level, a blood reservoir and a detector for air bubbles in the arterial line, as well as temperature sensors for the blood entering the blood reservoir and the blood exiting the blood reservoir. These sensors and detectors, but also the other units and components of the HLM, are connected to the bus 15. The measured values of these sensors/detectors should be visualised using a display/control device 2 according to the invention, with it being defined as an example that the display always occurs in the area of the connector device 16 a on the base unit 7 of the display and control device 2.

If a display/control unit 6 is now disposed at position 16 a of the base unit 7 and a connection to the bus system 15 is established, the configuration device 18 transmits configuration data determining the display contents and input areas to the display/control unit 6.

In a first step, the configuration device transmits, for example, the configuration data:

(1) DispletPos=“1”

(2) Title Color=“Blue” “Air bubbles arterial”

to the display/control unit and causes the display/control unit 6 to display a blue title line with the text “Air bubbles arterial” in the topmost of three predefined lines in the left half of the display area 8, as is shown in FIG. 7A.

The display area is a logical division of the otherwise advantageously continuous and undivided display 8 of the display/control unit 6. In a second step, the configuration device 18 transmits the configuration data

(3) DispIcon1 Pic=“Bubble Detector”

to the display/control unit 6 and causes the display/control unit 6 to display a schematic image of an air bubble detector above the title line “Air bubbles arterial”, as is also shown in FIG. 7A. In a third step, the configuration device 18 transmits the configuration data (4) ValueCan=“0000062” to the display/control unit 6, which cause the display/control unit 6 to receive values from the bus device having the identification 000062 via the electric bus 15. This identification is, for example, allocated to the air bubble detector of the HLM so that the display/control unit 6 is configured by the transmitted configuration data to receive sensor signals from the air bubble detector. In a fourth step, the configuration device 18 transmits the configuration data (5) ValIcon2 Pic=“OK” Stat<“10” (6) ValIcon2 Pic=“Alarm” Stat>=“10” to the display/control unit 6 and thus causes the display/control unit 6 to display the letters “OK” in the area above the title line “Air bubbles arterial” when the value obtained from the air bubble detector is less than 10. If the value is greater than or equal to 10, the configuration data contain the word “ALARM” which the display/control unit 6 displays instead of the letters “OK”. In FIG. 7A the display “OK” is shown.

In order to define the display contents in the right half of the topmost line of the display/control unit 6, the configuration device 18 transmits the following configuration data

(7) Displet=“2”

(8) Title Color=“Green” “Reservoir Level”

(9) ValueCan=“000061”

(10) ValIcon1 Pic=“FullRes” Stat>“75”

(11) ValIcon1 Pic=“75%Res” Stat>“50”

(12) ValIcon1 Pic=“50%Res” Stat>“25”

(13) ValIcon1 Pic=“25%Res” Stat>“5”

(14) ValIcon1 Pic=“0%Res” Stat>“0”

(15) ValIcon2 Pic=“OK” Stat>“25”

(16) ValIcon2 Pic“LOW” Stat<=“25”

to the display/control unit 6. The result of these configuration data is shown in FIG. 7B and arises as follows. In the configuration data, line (7) determines that the display segment in the right half of the topmost line of the display/control unit 6 is addressed. The configuration data in line (8) cause the display/control unit 6 to display a title line in green with the title “Reservoir level”.

The configuration data in line (9) cause the display/control unit 6 to receive data from the unit connected to the electric bus with identification 000061. In the embodiment described herein, this is the fill level sensor which communicates the fill level of the blood reservoir of the HLM in question here as a value via the electric bus 15.

The configuration data in lines (10) to (14) cause the display/control unit 6 to display different graphics that reflect the fill level of the reservoir depending on the data received from the fill level sensor. The different graphics are thereby selected depending on steps 75%, 50%, 25% and 5%.

The configuration data in lines (15) and (16) cause the display/control unit 6 to furthermore display the letters “OK” in the top right area of the display if the value of the fill level sensor is greater than 25. The letters “OK” are replaced by the word “LOW” if the values of the fill level sensor are less than or equal to 25.

The following configuration data, whose display result is shown in FIG. 7C, cause the display/control unit 6 to display a title line in yellow with the wording “Temperature art. input” in the left half of the second line of display 8 and to furthermore show a temperature value with three digits and a decimal point and the unit “° C.”, with the values to be shown originating from a temperature sensor with identification 000060.

(17) Displet=“3”

(18) Title Color=“Yellow” “Temperature art. input”

(19) ValueCan=“000060”

(20) Value Fmt=“%3d” Unit=“° C.”

Accordingly, the following configuration data cause a display in the right half of the second line of display 8 of the display/control unit 6, as is shown in FIG. 7D, with the values to be shown here originating from a temperature sensor with identification 000059.

(21) Displet=“4”

(22) Title Color=“Yellow” “Temperature art. output”

(23) ValueCan=“000059”

(24) Value Fmt=“%3d” Unit=“° C.”

The configuration data described above furthermore cause the display/control unit 6 to define the area of the display above the title lines as an input areas. This means that if a user touches the surface of the display 8 of the display/control unit 6 in the area above one of the title lines, an input for the concerned sensor is received. If, for example, an alarm has been triggered because of too low a fill level in the blood reservoir (see FIG. 7B), the input area above the title line “Reservoir level” can be evaluated such that a touch in this area by the user is regarded as confirmation of the alarm.

Data which determine the input areas without establishing measured value displays can also be provided in the configuration data. In this way, switches, buttons or regulators can be shown which are operated by touching the touch-sensitive surface of the display/control unit 6.

The various areas within the display of a display/control unit 6 can also be joined to form larger connected display areas. Thus, for example, FIG. 7E shows a configured display/control unit in which the three areas lying one above the other in the left half of the display 8 have been merged into one display area to create a display area which can accommodate the picture of an analogue clock. The configuration data transmitted by the configuration device of the display/control unit 6 for this display content have, for example, the following format:

(25) Displet=“1,3,5”

(26) Disp1Icon Pic=“ClockAnalog”

The display contents to be shown by the display activation device 9 on the display 8 of the display/control unit 6 according to the invention are preferably stored in a memory of the display activation device 9. These are essentially digits and letters as well as graphic picture elements that represent measured values or operating states and also the units and components of the medical equipment. Storage of these data in the display activation device 9 means that the configuration device 18 need not transmit data for the depiction of the digits, letters and graphic images. This embodiment of a display and control device according to the invention is advantageous, however transmission of the data for the display contents from the configuration device can also be provided in control systems. In any case, it is advantageous if the display activation device 9 is able to receive additional data for display contents, to store these in a memory and to use these during operation for the picture of the display 8 of the display/control unit 6 according to the invention. This expands the usability of a display/control unit 6 according to the invention since if unknown display contents are produced, these can subsequently be transmitted by the configuration device 18 to the display/control unit 6. The display activation device 9 in this case is preferably able to inform the communication device 18 via the bus of which data are already stored in the display activation device 9 so that the configuration device 18 transmits only those data for the display contents which are not already present in the display activation unit 9.

The procedure described here for the structure, content and result of the configuration data as well as the type of bus system is given as an example and does not restrict the principle of the display and control device according to the invention, which can also be realised with other configuration data and other bus systems.

In the described embodiment, the position at which a display/control unit 6 was connected to the base unit 7 and thus to the bus 15 determined the function allocated to the display/control unit. This variant is advantageous since values and control elements always occur at the same point on the control panel. Alternatively, it can be provided that configuration data are transmitted in sequence to the display/control elements so that the user can determine at which point of the control panel which function is provided. 

1. A display and control device for a life support system including units connectable to an electric bus, the display and control device comprising: a plurality of display/control units, each display/control unit configured as a plug-in module and including: a display device having a plurality of activatable pixels, a display activation device which activates the pixels of the display device on the basis of data supplied, a transparent input device disposed on a surface of the display device that is to face an observer, an input evaluation device which evaluates inputs made via the input device, and a unit connector with which the display activation device and the input evaluation device are connected and by which the display/control unit can be connected to an electric bus, and a base unit on which the plurality of display/control units are arranged, the base unit configured for mechanical fixing of the display/control units and including: an electric bus for the communication of the display/control units connected thereto, a plurality of connector devices at which respective display/control units can be connected to the electric bus via the unit connector, and a configuration device which is connected with the electric bus and which, after connection of a display/control unit to the electric bus, transmits to the display/control unit configuration data determining display contents and input areas of the display/control unit to be utilized during subsequent operation with the life support system, wherein, after configuration of the display/control unit has been completed, failure of the configuration device during operation does not initially cause a deterioration in an overall function of the display and control device, wherein the configuration data further comprises an identification of a medical unit connectable to the electric bus from which data values are to be received, a criteria for evaluating the received data values and a format for displaying a result of the evaluation of the received data values.
 2. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein for each of the connector devices of the base unit, it is determined in the configuration device which configuration data are transmitted to a display/control unit connected to a respective connector device.
 3. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein in the configuration device the configuration data transmitted to connected display/control units are determined depending on the sequence in which the display/control units are connected to the base unit.
 4. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein several areas to display contents and to receive inputs are logically defined in the display device of the display/control unit.
 5. The display and control device according to claim 4, wherein several of the logical areas are combinable to form a connected area.
 6. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one display/control unit includes several display/control devices that are constructed identically.
 7. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein the display/control unit is fixed to the base unit by way of the connection between the unit connector and the connector device.
 8. The display and control device according to claim 7, wherein the display/control unit is fixed on the base unit via additional fixing elements.
 9. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein data for displaying digits, numbers and map pixels are stored in the display activation device of the display/control unit.
 10. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein the display/control unit and the configuration device are arranged such that data for display contents can be transmitted to the display/control unit by the configuration device and stored in the display/control unit.
 11. The display and control device according to claim 10, wherein the display/control unit informs the configuration device of which data for display contents are stored in the display activation device.
 12. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein the display/control unit includes a bus communication device via which the display activation device and the input evaluation device are connected to the bus.
 13. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein no further control elements are provided.
 14. The display and control device according to claim 1, wherein apart from an on/off switch, no further control elements are provided.
 15. A display/control unit adapted for use in a display and control device according to claim
 1. 16. A display and control apparatus for a life support system, comprising: a plurality of configurable display/control units, each display/control unit configured as a plug-in module and including a display device, a display activation device which activates the display device on the basis of data supplied from the medical equipment, an input device disposed on a surface of the display device, an input evaluation device which evaluates inputs made via the input device, and a connector configured to removably connect each display/control unit to the medical equipment through a communication bus; a base unit on which the plurality of display/control units are mounted, the base unit configured for mechanical fixing of the display/control units and including a communication bus for communication between the plurality of display/control units and the life support system, and a plurality of connectors for connection to respective display/control units; and a configuration device connected to the communication bus and which transmits configuration data to a display/control unit after connection of the display/control unit to the communication bus, wherein the configuration data establishes display contents and input areas of the display/control unit to be utilized during subsequent operation with the life support system and wherein, after configuration of the display/control unit has been completed, failure of the configuration device during operation does not initially cause a deterioration in an overall function of the display and control device.
 17. A display and control apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the configuration data comprises an identification of a medical unit connectable to the communication bus from which data values are to be received, a criteria for evaluating the received data values and a format for displaying a result of the evaluation of the received data values.
 18. A medical system comprising: a life support system including a plurality of operational units; and a display and control apparatus comprising: a plurality of configurable display/control units, each display/control unit configured as a plug-in module and including a display device, a display activation device which activates the display device on the basis of data supplied from the medical equipment, an input device disposed on a surface of the display device, an input evaluation device which evaluates inputs made via the input device, and a connector configured to removably connect the display/control unit to the medical equipment; a base unit on which the plurality of display/control units are mounted, the base unit configured for mechanical fixing of the display/control units and including a plurality of connectors for connection to respective display/control units; and a configuration device which transmits configuration data to a display/control unit after installation of the display/control unit in the base unit, wherein the configuration data establishes display contents and input areas of the display/control unit to be utilized during subsequent operation with the life support system and wherein, after configuration of the display/control unit has been completed, failure of the configuration device during operation does not initially cause a deterioration in an overall function of the display and control device.
 19. A medical system as defined in claim 18, wherein the configuration data comprises an identification of an operational unit of the medical equipment from which data values are to be received, criteria for evaluating the received data values and a format for displaying a result of the evaluation of the received data values. 